By: Benton Parrott
Bait is everywhere and the fishing is getting good. Solid trout and reds are still falling for topwater plugs early and late in the day. If it is calm I’m working a Zara super spook or spook jr. On more windy days I move to the she dogs or skitter walks to make more noise through the waves. I like to cast into the wind surfing my lures down the face of the waves, To me it seems to be the most natural look and produces hard strikes. Colors depend on the water clarity. I use bright colors in dark or stained water and keep as natural as possible in clear waters. White and bone colored baits have been my all around choice lately and seem to be producing well. Mirrodines and ripstops have been doing great over the grass and working edges. Soft plastics are always a favorite of mine since they can be fished in so many ways and are attractive to so many fish. I prefer Saltwater Assassins on either a 1/8 to a 1/4 oz, jig head depending on water depth and presentation.
Not to miss in May. May 4th is Paddlepalooza XVI at Bridgeside Marina on Hwy.1 in Grand Isle, Louisiana. This is a cajun style slam tournament with lots of cash and prizes to be given out across the board of categories. Rules and registration can be found at https://bckfc.org/paddle-palooza-xvi. On May 18th the M.B.K.F.A is having their 13th annual Bagwell tournament. It is a weigh in tournament with some great prizes and a fun time fishing the great waters of lower Alabama. Rules and to sign up go to MBKFA.com. Also on May18th the GCKFA is having their Oriole Beach Shoot-out at the Oriole Beach Launch this will be based on total weight of 3 speckled trout. More info at http://www.gulfcoastkayakfishing.com. May 18th -19th is the Hobie Bass Open Series at Kentucky Lake, KY. Great payout and a shotat winning a spot on Team USA for the 2020 Worlds Tournament. www.hobie.com May 19th is the IFA Kayak Fishing tour in West Ruskin, Florida. This is a CPR (catch, photo, release) tournament based of total length of 1 red fish and 1 speckled trout, More info can be found at http://www.ifatours.com/kayak-tour. We keep information on all of the tournaments going on our Kayak Fishing U Facebook page.
With these longer days out in the sun take care of yourself. Wear protective clothing, a buff, and sunscreen when out fishing. I use Beyond Coastal sunscreen SPF 30 and put it on before I leave for the day and reapply with a face stick throughout. It makes a huge difference in how I feel at the end of a day and how long I can stay out and fish. Remember while fishing from a kayak to always think safety. We are low to the water and not always easily seen. Keep a 360 degree light on at dark and low light conditions, wear a PFD, keep hydrated, and let someone know your float plan.
Benton Parrott
Hobie Regional Team / Pro Staff Fishing Guide
dbparrott@bellsouth.net